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A Clean Mess: A Memoir of Sobriety After a Lifetime of Being Numb
The bestselling author of High Achiever reckons with life after addiction in this darkly funny and emotionally raw new memoir
“For as long as I can remember my mind was like a train with only three stops. Stop number one—getting money for drugs. Stop number two—getting drugs. Stop number three—getting high. During the years I should have been learning to save money, file taxes, and pay bills, I was stuck on a train to nowhere. Now somehow my train was on a brand-new course to somewhere I’d never been, and I was the friggin’ conductor.”
After a brutal struggle with opioid addiction that landed her four months in prison, Tiffany was ready for a fresh start. What she didn't expect was just how fast life would happen once she was out of prison. She went from felon to married, sober mom of three in just two years. But life doesn’t stop happening; her marriage collapsed a few years later, a crisis that forced her reckoning with the foundations of her mental health and sobriety.
As she forged her future, Tiffany learned to feel emotions and live life without numbing herself with drugs. She had to figure out how to be a mom, how to have a career, how to be married, how to get divorced, how to be an adult, and how to have feelings all at the same time. With dark humor and page-turning storytelling, she shows how she learned to survive when her crutches and band aids were taken away from her, and the gratitude and peace she found on the other side of addiction.
“For as long as I can remember my mind was like a train with only three stops. Stop number one—getting money for drugs. Stop number two—getting drugs. Stop number three—getting high. During the years I should have been learning to save money, file taxes, and pay bills, I was stuck on a train to nowhere. Now somehow my train was on a brand-new course to somewhere I’d never been, and I was the friggin’ conductor.”
After a brutal struggle with opioid addiction that landed her four months in prison, Tiffany was ready for a fresh start. What she didn't expect was just how fast life would happen once she was out of prison. She went from felon to married, sober mom of three in just two years. But life doesn’t stop happening; her marriage collapsed a few years later, a crisis that forced her reckoning with the foundations of her mental health and sobriety.
As she forged her future, Tiffany learned to feel emotions and live life without numbing herself with drugs. She had to figure out how to be a mom, how to have a career, how to be married, how to get divorced, how to be an adult, and how to have feelings all at the same time. With dark humor and page-turning storytelling, she shows how she learned to survive when her crutches and band aids were taken away from her, and the gratitude and peace she found on the other side of addiction.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published June 3, 2025
329 people are currently reading
11276 people want to read
About the author
Tiffany Jenkins
2 books1,061 followersTiffany Jenkins is a wife, and mother to three awesome human beings. She realized her love of writing last year when she started her blog, “Juggling the Jenkins”, where she writes about motherhood, addiction and marriage. Tiffany has acquired a huge social media following where her videos receive millions of views.
She uses her platform to help and inspire others who are struggling with mother-hood, mental health, addiction, and those who just need a good laugh. Her articles have been featured on “BLUNTmoms.com”, “Themighty.com” and “Thoughtcatalog.com”, and her Blog and Face-book page have been covered on several news outlets and television programs.
This month she will be celebrating five years clean and sober from drugs and alcohol. She feels that publishing a book, is a wonderful way to celebrate this milestone.
https://www.facebook.com/jugglingthej...
She uses her platform to help and inspire others who are struggling with mother-hood, mental health, addiction, and those who just need a good laugh. Her articles have been featured on “BLUNTmoms.com”, “Themighty.com” and “Thoughtcatalog.com”, and her Blog and Face-book page have been covered on several news outlets and television programs.
This month she will be celebrating five years clean and sober from drugs and alcohol. She feels that publishing a book, is a wonderful way to celebrate this milestone.
https://www.facebook.com/jugglingthej...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
June 29, 2025
Having read Tiffany's first book a couple of days ago, I knew what to expect with this one, but I still ended up being surprised at every turn.
In High Achiever, Tiffany covers her years as an addict, her time in jail and the rehab facility she went to, and in A Clean Mess we get a follow up, what happened after she left rehab, met her husband and got pregnant in record time.
Much like the first memoir, this one has chapters that end with mini cliffhangers so you can't help but say "one more chapter", because you want to know what's going to happen next.
There's a dual timeline, the present day (which is what hooks you initially) and the past. I was insanely curious about what happened in the present, and I'm STILL curious because we didn't get a proper resolution.
We did get something, like a hint, but it wasn't totally clear, and I don't want to assume the worst, you know? But at the same time I get that maybe Jenkins wasn't able to say all of it publicly for one reason or another.
I agree with another review that said maybe that scene should've been left out of the book, if she couldn't sum it up in one sentence.
Anyway, I liked this better than book one, it felt more honest. Tiffany described her struggles with staying sober while being a wife and mother, how she had to learn to deal with anxiety after dulling her senses for so many years, and postpartum depression which doesn't discriminate.
There's an obvious growth in between the two books, I'm sure some of that is due to everything she experienced here.
At the start of the book (in the past timeline) you can see she's still a bit insecure, unsure if she can stay on the right track with everything moving so fast, but she does!! She did that!! Even with so many things going wrong, she managed to stay sober.
The thing that surprised me the most was the ending, I really wasn't expecting that to happen, but it makes sense.
You can read this memoir without the other, but I'd recommend reading them in order so you'd have the full context. I wouldn't mind reading a third memoir somewhere down the line, if Jenkins decides to write one.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
In High Achiever, Tiffany covers her years as an addict, her time in jail and the rehab facility she went to, and in A Clean Mess we get a follow up, what happened after she left rehab, met her husband and got pregnant in record time.
Much like the first memoir, this one has chapters that end with mini cliffhangers so you can't help but say "one more chapter", because you want to know what's going to happen next.
There's a dual timeline, the present day (which is what hooks you initially) and the past. I was insanely curious about what happened in the present, and I'm STILL curious because we didn't get a proper resolution.
We did get something, like a hint, but it wasn't totally clear, and I don't want to assume the worst, you know? But at the same time I get that maybe Jenkins wasn't able to say all of it publicly for one reason or another.
I agree with another review that said maybe that scene should've been left out of the book, if she couldn't sum it up in one sentence.
Anyway, I liked this better than book one, it felt more honest. Tiffany described her struggles with staying sober while being a wife and mother, how she had to learn to deal with anxiety after dulling her senses for so many years, and postpartum depression which doesn't discriminate.
There's an obvious growth in between the two books, I'm sure some of that is due to everything she experienced here.
At the start of the book (in the past timeline) you can see she's still a bit insecure, unsure if she can stay on the right track with everything moving so fast, but she does!! She did that!! Even with so many things going wrong, she managed to stay sober.
The thing that surprised me the most was the ending, I really wasn't expecting that to happen, but it makes sense.
You can read this memoir without the other, but I'd recommend reading them in order so you'd have the full context. I wouldn't mind reading a third memoir somewhere down the line, if Jenkins decides to write one.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
August 23, 2025
⭐.5
*edit Aug 22nd Also this woman's followers are of the type to bully a disabled person over a book review. So maybe that says something too.
Pre-Read Notes:
I tried this one once before and the absurd amount of ableism and stigmatizing addiction sort of threw me (such as the author calling herself stupid when considering the possibility of her own relapse and when she called a bunch of *friends of hers* scumbags for relapsing). Addiction is a disabling mental illness that some people never recover from, some recover and relapse, and some recover and never relapse. All addicts deserve dignity and none of them are morally superior on inferior to each other or other disabled or mentally ill people like me.
A CLEAN MESS is the memoir (kind of? With its experimental time line and glossy narrative voice, it reads more like auto-fiction than memoir.) of an addict, a professional funny woman, Tiffany Jenkins, so I thought I would give it another chance, having been warned so to speak about the author's mindset and narrative voice.
I'm guessing I will find a valuable story here, despite the author's internalized ableism. And also, that's very common among people with mental illness, including addiction. It's not her fault she was taught her life only has value in recovery.
"After unpacking I lay down and closed my eyes, but my mind raced. I had so much to do: get a job, find my new probation officer’s office, pay my dad back, repair broken relationships , save money, buy food, and get a sponsor. You know what sounded better than all that? Saying fuck it and snorting ten pills at once. Then I wouldn’t have to do a single thing." p37
Final Review
The opening scene is really emotional and definitely an excellent hook to get readers interested in the rest of the story. I mean, it hooked me, despite my obvious quibbles with this book.
But also the circumstances are hard to believe. Who buys drugs on a plane? Especially when they are on the way to Vegas, where it is very easy to obtain drugs with little to fear from the law? Also, who *sells* drugs on a plane? I mean it just...doesn't really make sense. *edit Some very unhappy readers who loved this book brought up in the comments that the drugs were "brought" onto the plane and not "bought" on the plane. Honestly I don't know which choice is more careless, because both are just so fraught with selfishness and a blatant disregard for the law. Especially since it's unnecessary. They could get drugs in Vegas without trouble.*
Which is what led me initially to consider this not a memoir, a work of nonfiction from memory, but auto-fiction, a fictional story based on the author's own experiences and (sometimes) featuring them as character. And I'm guessing some readers will enjoy the funky fictionalized timeline, but I found it confusing in a memory inspired story.
I do have a lot of quibbles about this book but I also liked it. It takes real courage for addicts and mentally ill people in general to talk about their lives. I'm absolutely delighted that Jenkins has garnered such a huge audience to whom to tell this story, and it's an important one.
I recommend this book to fans of memoir or auto-fiction, addiction or trauma recovery narratives, authentic mental illness rep, stories about family.
My 3 Favorite Things:
✔️ Great opening scene, I'm pretty much hooked for the ride.
✔️ Best and funniest description of childbirth you'll ever read. It is vulnerable and detailed without being gross or squishy, somehow. I laughed several times during this scene.
✔️ One of the best descriptions of anxiety I've ever had the pleasure to read.
Notes:
1. Getting pregnant unexpectedly does not make someone a ho. Relapsing doesn't make someone stupid or a scumbag, and sleeping with more than one person in someone's past, doesn't make someone a wh*re. There are just so many of these underhanded judgments scattered throughout the book.
2. Content warnings: drugs, drug use, needles, injections, ableism, misogyny, early childhood stress, trauma and recovery, addiction and recovery and relapse, cheating (suspected and suggested), bad parenting, divorce, ppd, thoughts of self-harm
Thank you to author Tiffany Jenkins, publishers Harmony/Random House, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of A CLEAN MESS. All views are mine.
*edit Aug 22nd Also this woman's followers are of the type to bully a disabled person over a book review. So maybe that says something too.
Pre-Read Notes:
I tried this one once before and the absurd amount of ableism and stigmatizing addiction sort of threw me (such as the author calling herself stupid when considering the possibility of her own relapse and when she called a bunch of *friends of hers* scumbags for relapsing). Addiction is a disabling mental illness that some people never recover from, some recover and relapse, and some recover and never relapse. All addicts deserve dignity and none of them are morally superior on inferior to each other or other disabled or mentally ill people like me.
A CLEAN MESS is the memoir (kind of? With its experimental time line and glossy narrative voice, it reads more like auto-fiction than memoir.) of an addict, a professional funny woman, Tiffany Jenkins, so I thought I would give it another chance, having been warned so to speak about the author's mindset and narrative voice.
I'm guessing I will find a valuable story here, despite the author's internalized ableism. And also, that's very common among people with mental illness, including addiction. It's not her fault she was taught her life only has value in recovery.
"After unpacking I lay down and closed my eyes, but my mind raced. I had so much to do: get a job, find my new probation officer’s office, pay my dad back, repair broken relationships , save money, buy food, and get a sponsor. You know what sounded better than all that? Saying fuck it and snorting ten pills at once. Then I wouldn’t have to do a single thing." p37
Final Review
The opening scene is really emotional and definitely an excellent hook to get readers interested in the rest of the story. I mean, it hooked me, despite my obvious quibbles with this book.
But also the circumstances are hard to believe. Who buys drugs on a plane? Especially when they are on the way to Vegas, where it is very easy to obtain drugs with little to fear from the law? Also, who *sells* drugs on a plane? I mean it just...doesn't really make sense. *edit Some very unhappy readers who loved this book brought up in the comments that the drugs were "brought" onto the plane and not "bought" on the plane. Honestly I don't know which choice is more careless, because both are just so fraught with selfishness and a blatant disregard for the law. Especially since it's unnecessary. They could get drugs in Vegas without trouble.*
Which is what led me initially to consider this not a memoir, a work of nonfiction from memory, but auto-fiction, a fictional story based on the author's own experiences and (sometimes) featuring them as character. And I'm guessing some readers will enjoy the funky fictionalized timeline, but I found it confusing in a memory inspired story.
I do have a lot of quibbles about this book but I also liked it. It takes real courage for addicts and mentally ill people in general to talk about their lives. I'm absolutely delighted that Jenkins has garnered such a huge audience to whom to tell this story, and it's an important one.
I recommend this book to fans of memoir or auto-fiction, addiction or trauma recovery narratives, authentic mental illness rep, stories about family.
My 3 Favorite Things:
✔️ Great opening scene, I'm pretty much hooked for the ride.
✔️ Best and funniest description of childbirth you'll ever read. It is vulnerable and detailed without being gross or squishy, somehow. I laughed several times during this scene.
✔️ One of the best descriptions of anxiety I've ever had the pleasure to read.
Notes:
1. Getting pregnant unexpectedly does not make someone a ho. Relapsing doesn't make someone stupid or a scumbag, and sleeping with more than one person in someone's past, doesn't make someone a wh*re. There are just so many of these underhanded judgments scattered throughout the book.
2. Content warnings: drugs, drug use, needles, injections, ableism, misogyny, early childhood stress, trauma and recovery, addiction and recovery and relapse, cheating (suspected and suggested), bad parenting, divorce, ppd, thoughts of self-harm
Thank you to author Tiffany Jenkins, publishers Harmony/Random House, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of A CLEAN MESS. All views are mine.
June 6, 2025
3... maybe 3.5 🌟
I've been following Tiffany for years, saw her live show once, devoured her first book in 2 days, and quickly finished this one too. The first one would get 4-5 stars for her honesty and vulnerability... this one a little less. Something was missing at times and I can't put my finger on it... a lack of depth or humor or joy maybe?
I listened to the audiobook version, and while her narration was great, sometimes she felt distant and emotionless, which is understandable given the content she was writing about (namely betrayal, divorce, co-parenting).
Totally realizing that it's her prerogative to share or not share any part of her (or her ex's) story, huge pieces were missing. At one point she references finding something so horrible on her husband's phone that she kicks him out, but doesn't even tell us what. Contextually, the reader can sort of guess, but I also don't want to make assumptions/have to fill in gaps that even one simple sentence could resolve.
Also thought it was weird that she changed the name of her ex, her sister, her stepdaughter, and some friends, because fans who have been watching her videos for years know all of these people's real identities, and they were in the first book, so that felt like a weird choice that sort of took me out of it and made parts feel fictional.
I've been following Tiffany for years, saw her live show once, devoured her first book in 2 days, and quickly finished this one too. The first one would get 4-5 stars for her honesty and vulnerability... this one a little less. Something was missing at times and I can't put my finger on it... a lack of depth or humor or joy maybe?
I listened to the audiobook version, and while her narration was great, sometimes she felt distant and emotionless, which is understandable given the content she was writing about (namely betrayal, divorce, co-parenting).
Totally realizing that it's her prerogative to share or not share any part of her (or her ex's) story, huge pieces were missing. At one point she references finding something so horrible on her husband's phone that she kicks him out, but doesn't even tell us what. Contextually, the reader can sort of guess, but I also don't want to make assumptions/have to fill in gaps that even one simple sentence could resolve.
Also thought it was weird that she changed the name of her ex, her sister, her stepdaughter, and some friends, because fans who have been watching her videos for years know all of these people's real identities, and they were in the first book, so that felt like a weird choice that sort of took me out of it and made parts feel fictional.
June 19, 2025
I thought it was amazing that she narrated the audiobook! I've always watched Tiffany's videos and had lots of laughs. It was truly interesting to learn more about her. It was deep, eye-opening, and beautiful how transparent she was. I love her even more now seeing what she's been through and how far she's come!
July 20, 2025
A Clean Mess is exactly what its title promises: raw, tangled, chaotic and honest to the bone. This memoir doesn’t wrap recovery in a neat bow or offer up redemption like a Hollywood script. Instead, the author invites us into the quiet, often agonizing process of learning to feel after decades of escape. Sobriety here isn’t just abstaining from substances; it’s the radical act of facing life head-on, flaws, failures, and all.
As an adult reader, what struck me most was how deeply relatable this story is not because I share the same background, but because the emotional terrain is so universally human. The author captures what it feels like to live behind a mask, to numb not just pain but joy, and to wake up one day realizing you’ve never really been here for your own life. It’s not just a memoir of recovery; it’s a blueprint for re-entry into the world.
The narrative style is conversational, sometimes brutal, sometimes unexpectedly poetic. There’s humor, too dark and self aware, the kind that only comes from someone who’s survived and lived to tell it. What makes the memoir compelling isn’t perfection or a tidy ending. It’s the vulnerability. The moments when the author admits they still don’t have it all figured out, but they’re trying. Showing up. Choosing presence, even when it hurts
It was a good book
As an adult reader, what struck me most was how deeply relatable this story is not because I share the same background, but because the emotional terrain is so universally human. The author captures what it feels like to live behind a mask, to numb not just pain but joy, and to wake up one day realizing you’ve never really been here for your own life. It’s not just a memoir of recovery; it’s a blueprint for re-entry into the world.
The narrative style is conversational, sometimes brutal, sometimes unexpectedly poetic. There’s humor, too dark and self aware, the kind that only comes from someone who’s survived and lived to tell it. What makes the memoir compelling isn’t perfection or a tidy ending. It’s the vulnerability. The moments when the author admits they still don’t have it all figured out, but they’re trying. Showing up. Choosing presence, even when it hurts
It was a good book
February 25, 2025
I devoured this book in a day as soon as the ARC became available for me. Her previous book, “High Achiever” has always occupied space in my mind. This one continued the story of her life. Raw, thoughtful, and not missing her humor. The power of friendship, the importance of recovery- including sponsors, meetings, and doing the work. I love how her story didn’t shy away from the reality of addiction, relapses, and navigating life. Her vulnerability about anxiety, depression, PPD and everything she experience was written in such a captivating way that I couldn’t put it down. So happy she put out another book, and I’d be thrilled if she did another! Will definitely be purchasing a copy when the book becomes available in June.
May 3, 2025
I’ve always loved Tiffany Jenkins’ videos and content. Knowing more about her personal story and what motherhood, recovery, and mental health struggles have been like for her was another opportunity to cheer her on.
June 12, 2025
Unfiltered, as real as it gets, and funny as hell!
September 3, 2025
I absolutely loved Tiffany’s 1st book, so naturally I knew id love this memoir as well. Her truth is so real, so raw and so blunt. I love that she tells it how it is and finds a way to interject humor into her pain.
July 19, 2025
Wow I actually think I enjoyed this one more than her first book, and I really enjoyed her first book. Tiffany writes with so much honesty and I don’t doubt that this is why these books will help so many people, she covers a lot in this book, from getting clean to quickly falling pregnant, to struggling with loss, betrayal and mental health, I enjoyed the structure of this book also, how it kept giving glimpses into her current situation then going back into the past, I flew through this, I hope this book isn’t her last!
July 15, 2025
| 5/5 Stars | ★★★★★
Trigger Warnings for A Clean Mess:
A Clean Mess is Tiffany Jenkins second memoir about her addiction. In her first memoir, High Achiever, Jenkins speaks from her point of view during active addiction primarily. In contrast, Jenkins' second memoir, A Clean Mess, speaks to her recovery and sobriety after prison.
Okay, let me begin by saying this book is five stars BECAUSE of the audiobook. Tiffany Jenkins is both the author and narrator which leads to the perfect intonation at the right times. You can really get a sense of how serious, or not, Jenkins took things based on how she is reading her own writing. Jenkins is witty, charming, and down-right honest while reading her own work.
I'm honestly floored. This book would have easily been a 3 star, run-of-the-house-type book without listening to Jenkins read the audiobook. Jenkins breathes life into her writing that I don't think any other narrator could have. Seriously, listen to this book, but only after you've read (or listened to) High Achiever.
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Trigger Warnings for A Clean Mess:
A Clean Mess is Tiffany Jenkins second memoir about her addiction. In her first memoir, High Achiever, Jenkins speaks from her point of view during active addiction primarily. In contrast, Jenkins' second memoir, A Clean Mess, speaks to her recovery and sobriety after prison.
Okay, let me begin by saying this book is five stars BECAUSE of the audiobook. Tiffany Jenkins is both the author and narrator which leads to the perfect intonation at the right times. You can really get a sense of how serious, or not, Jenkins took things based on how she is reading her own writing. Jenkins is witty, charming, and down-right honest while reading her own work.
I'm honestly floored. This book would have easily been a 3 star, run-of-the-house-type book without listening to Jenkins read the audiobook. Jenkins breathes life into her writing that I don't think any other narrator could have. Seriously, listen to this book, but only after you've read (or listened to) High Achiever.
Follow all of my reviews and content with LinkTree
September 2, 2025
Tiffany Jenkins doesn’t hold anything back in A Clean Mess. As a therapist, I found myself reading this not only as a memoir but also through the lens of the work I do every day with people navigating trauma, recovery, and relationships. What stood out most to me was her raw honesty. She doesn’t sugarcoat the messy parts of addiction, motherhood, or marriage, and because of that, her story feels authentic and deeply human.
Her voice is conversational and often laced with humor, which gave me moments of laughter in the middle of such heavy subject matter. I also appreciated how she captured the nuances of recovery—the relapses, the fragile hope, the complicated dynamics with sponsors, friends, and family. Those pieces rang true to what I’ve seen in real-life therapeutic work, which made this book especially impactful for me.
About halfway through, I realized this is actually a follow-up to her first memoir, High Achiever. I’m kind of kicking myself for not reading that one first, but I’ll definitely be going back to it to fill in the pieces of her story.
On the flip side, there were parts where the pacing felt a little uneven, and I would have liked more detail on her transition into the public figure she is today. The ending also felt somewhat rushed, but I respect that she was balancing how much of other people’s lives she could share.
Overall, this was a raw, funny, and hopeful memoir that sheds light on the resilience it takes to face your past and rebuild. From both a personal and professional perspective, I found it moving and worth recommending—especially for those who want to better understand the realities of recovery beyond the headlines or stereotypes.
Her voice is conversational and often laced with humor, which gave me moments of laughter in the middle of such heavy subject matter. I also appreciated how she captured the nuances of recovery—the relapses, the fragile hope, the complicated dynamics with sponsors, friends, and family. Those pieces rang true to what I’ve seen in real-life therapeutic work, which made this book especially impactful for me.
About halfway through, I realized this is actually a follow-up to her first memoir, High Achiever. I’m kind of kicking myself for not reading that one first, but I’ll definitely be going back to it to fill in the pieces of her story.
On the flip side, there were parts where the pacing felt a little uneven, and I would have liked more detail on her transition into the public figure she is today. The ending also felt somewhat rushed, but I respect that she was balancing how much of other people’s lives she could share.
Overall, this was a raw, funny, and hopeful memoir that sheds light on the resilience it takes to face your past and rebuild. From both a personal and professional perspective, I found it moving and worth recommending—especially for those who want to better understand the realities of recovery beyond the headlines or stereotypes.
July 15, 2025
Tiffany is a solid writer. LOVE the opening. I will note that those hating on this book are likely dealing with their own inner demons.... addiction and mental health are TOUGH and we often see what we want to see. We envy those who achieve what we cannot or what we lack ourselves. Stories about overcoming addiction can be very hard for those who haven't yet done so and/or those who are still struggling... just remember if you're out there and bashing this story because you yourself are still struggling, that is NOT a reason to hate on this person's success or story! Thanks.
May 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't know anything about Tiffany before reading this book. Her story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Tiffany tells of her struggles to get clean and stay clean, how having her children has changed her life, and how to handle anxiety and intrusive thoughts. She tells her story openly and honestly. Highly recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with addiction or know someone who has.
I didn't know anything about Tiffany before reading this book. Her story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Tiffany tells of her struggles to get clean and stay clean, how having her children has changed her life, and how to handle anxiety and intrusive thoughts. She tells her story openly and honestly. Highly recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with addiction or know someone who has.
September 3, 2025
I really enjoyed reading Tiffany's second book. I have been following her since I read her first book, High Achiever. Her first book describes the intimate details of her addiction and subsequent recovery as an addict.
Her second book continues where the first one left off, from the start of her marriage shortly after she finished rehab through the birth of her kids, struggle with post partum depression and ultimately the end of her marriage. She is real (funny) in sharing her experiences and struggle of staying clean.
Her second book continues where the first one left off, from the start of her marriage shortly after she finished rehab through the birth of her kids, struggle with post partum depression and ultimately the end of her marriage. She is real (funny) in sharing her experiences and struggle of staying clean.
May 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! First of all, I love love loveee the title, just because you got clean doesn’t mean you’re still not a mess.😂😂 This was a memoir that read almost like fiction. It wasn’t just about Tiffany persevering through recovery it was about her surviving motherhood as well. Which let’s be real, can be extremely hard and fulfilling all at the same time. I loved that she also included her struggles with PPD and how she found the strength to be honest and get the help she needed. There was so much vulnerability in her writing and I’m all about living in your truth. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I usually hate to rate memoirs but I’d give this 4 ⭐️’s.
May 13, 2025
This is the 2nd book of Tiffany Jenkins and I’m totally digging her writing style. It sounds like someone I could be friends with that voices the vulnerable thoughts of mental health and being a mother that we all have at some time or another.
I actually have never seen Juggling the Jenkins, but a past client of mine mentioned Tiffany’s first book—High Achiever—that focused on her story of becoming an addict. This one focuses on the maintenance stage of change (in my opinion, the hardest) of sobriety. Tiffany shows an honest account on how even if someone has been in recovery for years, the urge and thoughts to use when life stressors arise continues to be present.
I actually have never seen Juggling the Jenkins, but a past client of mine mentioned Tiffany’s first book—High Achiever—that focused on her story of becoming an addict. This one focuses on the maintenance stage of change (in my opinion, the hardest) of sobriety. Tiffany shows an honest account on how even if someone has been in recovery for years, the urge and thoughts to use when life stressors arise continues to be present.
June 9, 2025
So good ❤️
May 25, 2025
A Clean Mess by Tiffany Jenkins. Thanks to Harmony Books for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After an opiate addiction that left her in prison and rehab, Tiffany becomes a mom of three in just two years but it’s not an easy path.
I read Tiffany’s first memoir and wondered how interesting a second one could be when we already heard the story of her past and addiction. I shouldn’t have wondered that because there was plenty more to tell. While this story was more focused on her recovery, it was far from boring or dull. I typically shy away from recovery stories because I can’t get into the steps and the “higher power” but this one was perfect. It shyed away from those spiritual aspects of recovery and stayed true to her emotions, mental health, and roadblocks along the way. It portrayed the start of her family and motherhood, and all the ups and downs that come with. I would have loved to see more of her career and internet explosion, but maybe that’ll be a third memoir!
“I couldn’t imagine doing those things today, but I also know that Addiction is doing push-ups in the parking lot, waiting for a weak moment to pounce.”
A Clean Mess comes out 6/3.
After an opiate addiction that left her in prison and rehab, Tiffany becomes a mom of three in just two years but it’s not an easy path.
I read Tiffany’s first memoir and wondered how interesting a second one could be when we already heard the story of her past and addiction. I shouldn’t have wondered that because there was plenty more to tell. While this story was more focused on her recovery, it was far from boring or dull. I typically shy away from recovery stories because I can’t get into the steps and the “higher power” but this one was perfect. It shyed away from those spiritual aspects of recovery and stayed true to her emotions, mental health, and roadblocks along the way. It portrayed the start of her family and motherhood, and all the ups and downs that come with. I would have loved to see more of her career and internet explosion, but maybe that’ll be a third memoir!
“I couldn’t imagine doing those things today, but I also know that Addiction is doing push-ups in the parking lot, waiting for a weak moment to pounce.”
A Clean Mess comes out 6/3.
July 19, 2025
Very much enjoyed reading Tiffany’s book and reading about her journey. I did read her first memoir and for what ever reason loved it more than this one.
Totally not a diss, just an observation.
I follow Tiffany on Instagram and suspected that something was up with her marriage. The fact that she has been able to maintain sobriety in the face of heartbreak from her husband’s actions is remarkable.
And while I thought I’d be curious to know the details of his betrayal, as others have commented, I’m actually good without knowing. TOTAL respect for her wanting to protect her children and herself as well.
Such an incredibly talented & funny woman.
And I will always root for you, Tiffany!
Totally not a diss, just an observation.
I follow Tiffany on Instagram and suspected that something was up with her marriage. The fact that she has been able to maintain sobriety in the face of heartbreak from her husband’s actions is remarkable.
And while I thought I’d be curious to know the details of his betrayal, as others have commented, I’m actually good without knowing. TOTAL respect for her wanting to protect her children and herself as well.
Such an incredibly talented & funny woman.
And I will always root for you, Tiffany!
May 24, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
Rounded to 3.5 stars. I read and enjoyed High Achiever, the author’s first book about her drug addiction. This book is the next chapter. As a former probation agent, I have worked with many addicts and their treatment teams. I can so clearly see the mistakes Tiffany makes in her new sobriety. It’s always easy to see from another perspective, Tiffany knows she is on the razor’s edge. She gets involved in a relationship with another recovering addict within the first 60 days after her release from jail. Alcoholics Anonymous recommends waiting a year and preferably not with a fellow addict. Things quickly spiral. That said, Tiffany and her partner make a good effort to be strong together, she is mostly working her program despite some expected pitfalls. It’s very tough to be in the world after addiction, to change your peer groups, be judged by everyone, own your shit and constantly be strong despite all of those things. Relapse is often a real part of recovery. I don’t think addicts even know who they are until they are really and truly sober, so bringing other people in during the roller coaster of often disaster. Hence, A Clean Mess.
The author is very real and candid about her life. She doesn’t pretend to be something she is not, her esteem is battered from her experiences. I found myself rooting for her to be successful. She has so much to be proud of.
Rounded to 3.5 stars. I read and enjoyed High Achiever, the author’s first book about her drug addiction. This book is the next chapter. As a former probation agent, I have worked with many addicts and their treatment teams. I can so clearly see the mistakes Tiffany makes in her new sobriety. It’s always easy to see from another perspective, Tiffany knows she is on the razor’s edge. She gets involved in a relationship with another recovering addict within the first 60 days after her release from jail. Alcoholics Anonymous recommends waiting a year and preferably not with a fellow addict. Things quickly spiral. That said, Tiffany and her partner make a good effort to be strong together, she is mostly working her program despite some expected pitfalls. It’s very tough to be in the world after addiction, to change your peer groups, be judged by everyone, own your shit and constantly be strong despite all of those things. Relapse is often a real part of recovery. I don’t think addicts even know who they are until they are really and truly sober, so bringing other people in during the roller coaster of often disaster. Hence, A Clean Mess.
The author is very real and candid about her life. She doesn’t pretend to be something she is not, her esteem is battered from her experiences. I found myself rooting for her to be successful. She has so much to be proud of.
May 6, 2025
Thank you to Rodale, Inc. and NetGalley for the ARC of A Clean Mess in exchange for an honest review.
I don't typically like rating memoirs due to it feeling weird to rate someone's personal experiences, but I figure since this is an ARC I probably should. I've been following Tiffany on Facebook video and Youtube for a longgggg time. My favorite thing about her is her openness about her experiences with addiction and anxiety and doing so in a comedic way. Despite not having kids or having experienced addiction or severe anxiety myself, I've always found her relatable. I haven't really heard much from her recently so when I saw she wrote a new memoir I had to jump on the opportunity. This memoir is just as open and honest as she is on the Internet. We learn about her early days in recovery, and the story of how her and her husband Colin got together, and what twists and turns their relationship has taken. We get a lot of insight of her inner thoughts during those days and how much struggle she has gone through to get to where she is today.
Overall, this was an easy read, and I enjoyed the ride. I'm glad to hear that she is doing well and I continue to look for anything that she writes or is part of.
I don't typically like rating memoirs due to it feeling weird to rate someone's personal experiences, but I figure since this is an ARC I probably should. I've been following Tiffany on Facebook video and Youtube for a longgggg time. My favorite thing about her is her openness about her experiences with addiction and anxiety and doing so in a comedic way. Despite not having kids or having experienced addiction or severe anxiety myself, I've always found her relatable. I haven't really heard much from her recently so when I saw she wrote a new memoir I had to jump on the opportunity. This memoir is just as open and honest as she is on the Internet. We learn about her early days in recovery, and the story of how her and her husband Colin got together, and what twists and turns their relationship has taken. We get a lot of insight of her inner thoughts during those days and how much struggle she has gone through to get to where she is today.
Overall, this was an easy read, and I enjoyed the ride. I'm glad to hear that she is doing well and I continue to look for anything that she writes or is part of.
Read
June 17, 2025This is the second of Tiffany Jenkins’ two memoirs. Her first memoir, High Achiever, tells the story of her life in active addiction and how that landed her in jail. And then this one, A Clean Mess, focuses on her trying to navigate life newly sober, and about relationships and motherhood. I would recommend reading High Achiever first. A Clean Mess is a great story on its own, but it doesn’t rehash the first book at all, and her background is pretty wild and worth reading about. So start there.
You can tell both books are written the way Tiffany Jenkins talks in real life. Her voice and personality come through in the writing so clearly. She has a blunt, dark sense of humor, and she does a good job of balancing the moments of dark humor with moments of more heartfelt seriousness. The result is a memoir that feels very human and almost casually conversational.
It’s a quick read. She grabs your attention right away in the first chapter with a big pivotal event, and then goes back and forth in timeline in a very engaging way. It’s a book you can get through in a few days easily.
You can tell both books are written the way Tiffany Jenkins talks in real life. Her voice and personality come through in the writing so clearly. She has a blunt, dark sense of humor, and she does a good job of balancing the moments of dark humor with moments of more heartfelt seriousness. The result is a memoir that feels very human and almost casually conversational.
It’s a quick read. She grabs your attention right away in the first chapter with a big pivotal event, and then goes back and forth in timeline in a very engaging way. It’s a book you can get through in a few days easily.
July 3, 2025
I always think memoirs are best experienced on audio, and A Clean Mess: A Memoir of Sobriety After a Lifetime of Being Numb by Tiffany Jenkins was no exception. Listening to Tiffany tell her own story made it hit even harder — raw, honest, and so vulnerable. This one hooked me from the first pages when Tiffany shares a wild, life-changing story about a Vegas trip her husband took, weaving it perfectly with flashbacks from her own road to sobriety.
This memoir really opened my eyes to all that Tiffany faced after her release from jail — navigating new sobriety while also finding out she was pregnant. Her strength and resilience were so inspiring. I didn’t know much about Tiffany before, but as soon as I finished, I immediately followed her on social media because I just wanted more of her story and honesty.
If you’re looking for a powerful memoir about sobriety and starting over, definitely give this one a listen. Highly recommend the audiobook!
This memoir really opened my eyes to all that Tiffany faced after her release from jail — navigating new sobriety while also finding out she was pregnant. Her strength and resilience were so inspiring. I didn’t know much about Tiffany before, but as soon as I finished, I immediately followed her on social media because I just wanted more of her story and honesty.
If you’re looking for a powerful memoir about sobriety and starting over, definitely give this one a listen. Highly recommend the audiobook!
July 27, 2025
I don’t follow Tiffany’s social media presence- I was just sent this book by Penguin Random House and I really enjoyed it!!! Her writing style is more talking with a friend. Sometimes memoirs you feel like it’s almost like reading a book with a plot not someone’s actual life story. This was more informal and used humor. A lot of the word “dude” lol but still really captivated by her story and her path to staying sober. After the first few chapters I put her first book on hold so I can read that too. I think most people read High Achiever first so you get the lore behind her addiction/jail time. This was all about her life in the halfway house after jail, staying clean, babies, friendship, family and her husband being a shady hoe after years and years together. So thanks for the book PRH and Harmony Books!!
April 23, 2025
This is a great book for anyone who has been following her years or if they are/have been dealing with addictions. I had a hard time putting this down!
I have been watching her videos on Facebook for a long time and she has always made references to her past life. Then I noticed recently that she has had some major life changes and I was worried about what had happened. This books goes into great detail about her past and then runs over her most recent changes. I found that interesting how the addictions, marriage and children’s births were told in details, but the end was pretty brief. It felt like that was skimmed over. The book was still very good, but the ending was very quick. It just made it feel odd.
Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
I have been watching her videos on Facebook for a long time and she has always made references to her past life. Then I noticed recently that she has had some major life changes and I was worried about what had happened. This books goes into great detail about her past and then runs over her most recent changes. I found that interesting how the addictions, marriage and children’s births were told in details, but the end was pretty brief. It felt like that was skimmed over. The book was still very good, but the ending was very quick. It just made it feel odd.
Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
May 5, 2025
I did not read High Achiever, and I had no idea who Tiffany Jenkins is when I opened this one up, but im glad I did.
Tiffany's recount of her sobriety and breaking marriage is raw and well told. While I don't share the same background as the author, her battle with anxiety was relatable. Seeing her get help through various therapies was hopefully.
I will definitely pick up High Achiever at some point.
Thank you, Netgalley, publisher, and author for the ARC.
Tiffany's recount of her sobriety and breaking marriage is raw and well told. While I don't share the same background as the author, her battle with anxiety was relatable. Seeing her get help through various therapies was hopefully.
I will definitely pick up High Achiever at some point.
Thank you, Netgalley, publisher, and author for the ARC.
July 1, 2025
I've followed her on social media for a while and I really enjoyed reading this for the most part - it was very gripping and I went through it quickly. the part I did not like was the end - which sounds weird to say about a memoir.
**SPOILERS**
I guess I should say, I dont like how she acted in the end. He did all those atrocious things, and then she went to some counseling and took him back?? Gross. And then when they finally did get divorced, she blamed it not on Vegas, but was more like actually, I guess we never really were compatible... come on.
**SPOILERS**
I guess I should say, I dont like how she acted in the end. He did all those atrocious things, and then she went to some counseling and took him back?? Gross. And then when they finally did get divorced, she blamed it not on Vegas, but was more like actually, I guess we never really were compatible... come on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2025
I read Tiffany’s first book and found it to be a very raw and unflinching depiction of addiction and incarceration. This book, details her time after jail, spent recovering in a halfway house, and then meeting her husband and starting a family. I applaud her for continuing her road of recovery even though she’s been thrown some pretty major curveballs including her recent divorce. She’s real and funny and I found the book to be a quick, entertaining read.
Read
May 9, 2025A CLEAN MESS by Tiffany Jenkins. Thank you PRH for the advanced reader copy! We don’t give star ratings to memoirs, but I highly recommend this. This book is raw, real, and gives so much insight into all that comes with life after addiction. I think it’s so brave to share this story, and a beneficial story for everyone to hear. Her relationship with her Dad warmed my heart, and made me wish we all could be that kind of support to the people around us. This book also showed the realities involving relapse, lies, and the struggle when life gets real. I’m for sure going to go back and listen to her first book. The audio was fantastic and I flew through it in 2 days!
“This is my journey of what comes after addiction- navigating sobriety, motherhood, marriage, and everything in between. It’s raw, it’s real, and yes, it’s darkly funny.”
Pub. Date: 6/3/2025
🚪: chapter 22 contains intimacy details.
⚠️: explicit language, TW drug abuse/addiction.
“This is my journey of what comes after addiction- navigating sobriety, motherhood, marriage, and everything in between. It’s raw, it’s real, and yes, it’s darkly funny.”
Pub. Date: 6/3/2025
🚪: chapter 22 contains intimacy details.
⚠️: explicit language, TW drug abuse/addiction.
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